- Kyle Chua
WhatsApp Launches Channels, Allowing Updates From Organisations & Public Personalities
Updated: Dec 19, 2023
WhatsApp has launched Channels, a new feature that allows you to receive updates from public personalities and organisations.
The feature will be rolling out now for users of the Meta-owned messaging service and is expected to become available in more countries in the coming months, with Singapore being one of two countries that are getting the feature first, the other being Colombia.
'Channels' was built in a new tab called 'Updates', where you'll find the channels you choose to follow; the feature serves as a one-way broadcast tool for admins to send text, photos, videos, stickers and polls to followers. On the app, users can find channels to follow via a searchable directory based on hobbies, favourite sports teams, updates from local officials and more. Alternatively, you can also join a channel from invite links sent in chats, e-mails or posts online.
Partner organisations in Singapore include Food from the Heart, Singapore Heart Foundation, World Table Tennis, Aidha, Ministry of Communications & Information, Gov.sg, Land Transport Authority (LTA), National Environment Agency (NEA), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Inland Revenue Authority Singapore (IRAS) and Housing Development Board (HDB).
Global partner organisations, meanwhile, include WHO, WWE, UFC, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.
WhatsApp said it's rolling out the feature with privacy in mind. "As a channel admin, your phone number won't be shown to followers, and following a channel won't show that to the admin or others following the channel either," explained Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
"One of WhatsApp’s core principles is to not store your messages," he added. "That's why channel updates will only be available for 30 days with no permanent record."
Admins also have the option to block screenshots and forwards from their channels and they can also decide who can follow their channel and whether they want their channel to be discoverable in the directory or not.
Channels, however, are not end-to-end encrypted by default, considering the goal is to reach a wide audience. WhatsApp does know that there are cases when stronger encryption may be needed and it's exploring adding that option in the future.
WhatsApp wants to give you the ability to create your own channel in the future as it expands the feature in more countries. It also plans to support admins by providing them with a way to build a business around their channels using its expanding payment services, along with the ability to promote channels in the directory to help raise awareness.
WhatsApp has launched Channels, a new feature that allows you to receive updates from public personalities and organisations.
The feature serves as a one-way broadcast tool for admins to send text, photos, videos, stickers and polls to followers.
You can find channels to follow via a searchable directory that features your hobbies, favourite sports teams, updates from local officials and more.
Singapore is one of the two countries that's getting the feature first, and it's starting to roll out now.